Collegiate Times

Each person has a different taste in music. Much like representative art or poetry, music’s appeal is in the eye of the beholder. Some go with the mainstream, swept away with catchy lyrics and formidable beats, while others rebel and listen to more underground or indie music.

Regardless of your personal music taste, there is a great variety of albums coming out this semester. From big-time rappers to pop sensations to long-standing country phenoms, there should be something for everyone to enjoy.

J. Cole “Born Sinner” (Jan 28) — Cole was the first artist to sign to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, and in 2011 he released his debut album “Cole World: The Sideline Story,” which hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200. “Born Sinner” will feature several singles that didn’t make his first album and the single “Miss America,” which was released late in 2012.

Josh Groban “All That Echoes” (Feb 5) — Groban’s first four solo albums received multi-platinum status, making him the No. 1 best-selling artist in the U.S. in 2007, with over 21 million records sold. “All That Echoes” seeks to follow up on the immensely popular album, “Illuminations,” in which Groban sings about his continuing search for love.

Tim McGraw “Two Lanes of Freedom” (Feb 5) — McGraw’s singles continually top country music charts, making him the third best-selling country artist in the U.S. He has had 11 consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard albums charts and 21 singles hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. “Two Lanes of Freedom,” McGraw’s twelfth studio album, contains 11 tracks and four bonus tracks, featuring Keith Urban and Taylor Swift on the album-ending single “Highway Don’t Care.”

LL Cool J “Authentic Hip Hop” (Feb 12) — LL Cool J has released 13 studio albums and two greatest hit compilations. His last album, “Exit 13,” ended his long-standing career under the Def Jam Recordings label, and seemingly his music career entirely. However, LL Cool J is back again with his new album “Authentic Hip Hop,” under the S-BRO Music Group label.

OneRepublic “Native” (March 26) — Receiving critical acclaim for singles such as “Apologize” — which made history by receiving the most airplay in history with 10,331 plays in one week — and “Stop and Stare,” OneRepublic has made an impact especially on younger listeners. OneRepublic debuted in 2007 and has since made a second album, “Waking Up,” released in 2009. The band’s third album, “Native,” features singles such as “Feel Again,” which was released promotionally in 2012.

Paramore “Paramore” (April 9) — Paramore, mainly known for prominent lead singer Hayley Williams, is set to release its fourth album, the self-titled “Paramore.” After releasing its debut album in 2005, Paramore received Platinum status on “Riot!” and “Brand New Eyes,” the band’s highest charting album. Their new album features 17 songs, including the single “Now.”

A version of this article appeared in the Jan 22 issue of the Collegiate Times.